News 09:00

BULLETIN 23 August 9 am

Good morning. I am……..

In this bulletin:

# Ramaphosa warns ANC mayoral candidates against tender nepotism
# Zolani Tete’s funeral is set for Saturday in Mdantsane
# And, the Springboks lose the World Rugby number one ranking after their All Blacks defeat

# ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa has warned against nepotism and favouritism in municipal tender processes. Speaking during the ANC’s launch event in Johannesburg to announce its mayoral candidates, Ramaphosa said tenders must be awarded on merit and not because of personal connections. Ramaphosa urged ANC representatives to uphold honesty, integrity and accountability, while treating public funds as belonging to the people. Ramaphosa says councillors must remain visible in communities beyond election periods:

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula meanwhile announced the ANC opened its mayoral candidate selection process to public nominations to improve transparency. Mbalula says six nomination streams were created, including branches, communities, alliance partners, leagues and self-nominations. He says 532 names were initially considered, candidates were shortlisted and subjected to interviews and independent vetting. Candidates were assessed on issues including service delivery, budgets, billing and the law:

# The official funeral service for former two-division world boxing champion Zolani “Last Born” Tete will be held next Saturday, at KuGompo City Hall in Mdantsane, Eastern Cape. A memorial service is planned for Wednesday at the same venue. Tete was fatally shot outside his home this past Friday. Police have since apprehended two people, aged 22 and 30, for questioning in connection with the murder and attempted murder of 27-year-old female passenger who survived the incident and is hospitalised. Police says more arrests are expected.

# State-owned freight and logistics company Transnet says it is taking firm action over alleged procurement irregularities at its Richards Bay port terminal. A whistleblower report involving two tenders prompted an internal and external investigation, resulting in the precautionary suspension of an unnamed executive. Transnet says further investigations and disciplinary processes are continuing, alongside law-enforcement agencies. Seven companies have been restricted through National Treasury processes, while 45 employees, including managers, have been dismissed for alleged theft, corruption and fraud.

# Canadian prime minister Mark Carney says his country would impose tariffs ​starting September 8 on imports of US steel, electronics and other products in retaliation for President Donald Trump’s 50-percent tariffs that took effect at midnight last night. After days ‌of intense negotiations, the two countries did not reach a trade deal late Friday, worsening a delicate relationship between the longtime trade partners and allies. It further complicates the future of the continental free trade pact known as the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement.

# And rugby: The Springboks have lost their No 1 spot in the World Rugby rankings after suffering a 33-16 defeat to the All Blacks at Ellis Park yesterday. New Zealand produced a stunning second-half performance to overturn a 13-12 half-time deficit, scoring four unanswered tries after the break. The result not only gives the All Blacks the early advantage in the four-Test Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry series but sees them move above South Africa at the summit of the world rankings. The second Test will be played this Saturday at the Cape Town stadium.

Stay tuned for more news………….